It is December 12th and I (shockingly) gardened yesterday (thank you global warming). The New England ground where I live is still not frozen and I was able to finally put the last dozen plants that I bought months ago into the ground (whew). But now that I have pushed the outermost limits of the gardening calendar, it is time to pack it up. But rather than just shoving all the stuff in the shed, I thought I would take some time and care to put things away in a way that won't have me cursing next spring.
Here are some of the tips that I am employing as I clean up and put away this year.
- I've got pruners that haven't been sharpened in years, and the rust is threatening to overtake the hinges. The instructions in this 10 minute tutorial promise to get them back to like new condition.
- The oily sand bucket is key to keeping those shears and shovels shiny and clean through the winter. All it takes is a bucket (why not use a garden trug?), some sand and some motor oil or mineral oil. Here is a run down the details.
- The sprinkler system has been disconnected, and the wood pile has been neatly re-stacked inside the garage for easy access.
- I have affectionally started calling this time of year cardboard season. I avidly avoid the mall all year round, and most especially at this time of year, which leads to having lots and lots of cardboard lying around from internet holiday shopping. Use this excess paper (in this way) to feed soil and get a head start on smothering spring weeds. As a bonus, it'll lighten the load on your landfill.
- However, I'm not putting away my hoses just yet — all my new plants continue to need water, and last year's relatively warm, dry winter taught me that that this type of condition does not bode well for new garden babies. These plants don't have extensive root systems to get the water that they need, and without the ground freeze to protect them, they may need a little extra water. You may still need that hose and if you can, you should water new plants until the ground freezes.
Do you have any end of season tips to share?
(Image: Shutterstock)
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Here in California we still have time to put down some frost protection (mulch) on the succulents. I just decided to make sure I have a supply of those paper bags for leaves and debris that cover the plant beds after every storm - no excuses for cleaning up. And it's a good time to start an indoor herb garden that can be planted outdoors come spring.
I've been out snipping flowers to put in vases since all my bulbs are terribly confused by the weather. Really though, the only winter task I have on my 20x20 patio is to sweep the leaves out occasionally. I dumped out all the pots of annuals after the first freeze got them. The used potting soil goes to build up the beds around the edge of the garden.
My bulbs usually sprout in October ... right now the daffodils are about 3" tall. I've still got roses blooming also, haha.
Alright, you've inspired me to go out and clean up my garden shed. I remember being so excited to have a garden shed, not it's like having a messy outdoor closet to keep clean.
I put in my winter crops, mulch heavily, put everything that may freeze away, unhook my hose and generally settle down for a long winter's rest. :)
The fine folks at Peaceful Valley have a video that covers a few other winterizing topics that people here may find useful - http://groworganic.com/organic-gardening/videos/winter-garden-tips